2020 Reserve Clone 4 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

In 1980, we began a 14-year series of trials in conjunction with UC Davis, to identify Cabernet Sauvignon clones best suited to our Rutherford Bench terroir. Two clones, 4 and 6, were ultimately selected for grafting to rootstocks planted in the well-draining, alluvial fan soils of our estate vineyards. Also known as the Mendoza clone, Clone 4 was originally identified and isolated in Argentina and then brought to the United States. The clone is recognized for its larger berry size and tighter clusters, resulting in a Cabernet lush, round and opulent in style, providing richness and concentration with approachable tannins in its youth.

At our state-of-the-art winery dedicated exclusively to the production of our Reserve wines, we utilized the latest technology to destem and optically- sort the berries to retain only the highest quality fruit. Cold soaking of the must and gentle pump overs extracted the flavor-rich skins into the juice. Upon completion of primary fermentation, we pressed the skins and transferred the wine into French oak barrels for in-barrel malolactic fermentation and aging for 22 months. Because of the unique character of this clonal selection, we treat the wine as a separate lot and bottle a very limited amount.